Fargo City Commission Meeting - October 12, 2026

The Fargo City Commission convened at 4:00 PM for an executive session regarding potential litigation with Tallgrass Trail, LLC, and began the regular public session at 5:00 PM. All commissioners were present (Commissioner Peterson participated via conference call). The agenda included approval of consent agenda items, public hearings on special assessments and rezoning, discussion of a demolition contract and traffic calming measures, appointments, and public comments.

Executive Session

• The Commission met in closed session from 4:00 to 4:35 PM to receive legal advice on reasonably predictable litigation with Tallgrass Trail, LLC, including negotiating strategy. The session was authorized under NDCC § 44-04-19.1 subsections 2, 5, and 9, and § 44-04-19.2 subsection 1. No action was taken in public on this matter.

Consent Calendar

• The Commission approved the consent agenda with all items except Item No. 27, which was moved to the regular agenda. Key consent items included:
  • Tax abatement for 1630 9th Avenue South (value reduction from $201,700 to $186,900 for 2026).
  • Property tax exemptions for building improvements.
  • Ordinance amendments relating to bicycle definitions, motorized scooter regulations, and parking tickets.
  • Final adoption of a rezoning ordinance for Christianson 32nd Avenue South Fourth Addition.
  • Direction to the City Attorney to review lodging tax ordinances.
  • Assignment of a Master Services Agreement from Patchin Messner to CBRE, Inc.
  • Reimbursement of $269,800 to Brookstone Companies for repair and backfill of a borrow site.
  • Easement Payment Agreement with Otter Tail Power Company and others.
  • Various engineering agreements, change orders, bid awards, and time extensions for improvement districts.
  • Bid award to Meyer Contracting Inc. for $23,569,476.65 for Improvement District BR-23-A3.
  • Creation of Improvement District BR-27-C and adoption of Resolution of Necessity.
  • Memorandum of Agreement with Cass County and Fargo Park District for a shared-use path.
  • Items from the FAHR Committee: purchase of RISETEK cameras and software, Arctic Wolf MDR services, ND DOT Traffic Safety Contract, federal seized asset funds approval, and FY 2025 Homeland Security Grant Program award of $25,000.
  • Demolition agreements for 1544 3rd Avenue South and other routine contracts.
  • Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program 2026 allocations.
  • Piggyback purchase of a service body with crane for Water Reclamation ($119,965.10).
  • Fargo Public Schools Garbage Collection Service Contract.
  • Emergency repair proposal for sanitary lift station No. 59 ($168,800).
  • Task orders and final balancing change orders.
  • Approval of bills totaling $12,988,276.

Public Hearings

Special Assessments for Snow Removal (Item 36)

• The Commission held a public hearing on special assessments for nuisance abatement fees related to snow removal. Staff reported 57 properties were assessed, totaling over $10,000, based on a complaint-driven system. No public testimony was offered. The Commission unanimously approved the assessments.

Special Assessment of Business Improvement District (Item 37)

• A public hearing was held on the annual BID assessment for 2026, which is expected to generate approximately $822,000 for downtown improvement purposes. The assessment is calculated using a zone methodology based on assessed value and square footage. No public testimony was offered. The Commission unanimously approved the assessment.

Village West Fifth Addition Rezoning and Plat (Item 38)

• A public hearing was held on a proposal to rezone Lot 1, Block 1 of Village West Fifth Addition from MR-3 and GC to GC, and to approve the plat. The property is located at 4357 13th Avenue South and adjacent addresses. The Planning Commission had recommended approval. The proposal involved a lot line adjustment to reconcile parking lot encroachments. No public testimony was offered. The Commission unanimously approved the rezoning and plat.

Urban Plains Medical Park Third Addition Rezoning and Plat (Item 39)

• A public hearing was held on a proposal to rezone two parcels at 4767 and 4845 30th Avenue South from LC with a Conditional Overlay to MR-3 with a Conditional Overlay, and to approve the plat for a multi-dwelling residential development expected to yield approximately 103 units. The Planning Commission had recommended approval. A conditional use permit for parking reduction was previously approved by the Planning Commission. No public testimony was offered. The Commission unanimously approved the rezoning and plat.

Discussion Items

Demolition Contract for 111-113 32nd Avenue North (Item 27 / 41A)

• The Commission considered a demolition agreement for a property that had been declared a dangerous building. The inspections department recommended proceeding with demolition, but an attorney for the mortgage holder, Freedom Mortgage, requested a 75-day extension to allow the company to access the property and develop a repair plan. The attorney cited ongoing foreclosure proceedings and a federal loan modification process that prevented them from taking action earlier.
• Sean Radnik from the Inspections Department detailed the property's troubled history since a 2023 fire, including illegal water use, unauthorized tenants, and lack of progress. He argued that an extension would lead to further deterioration, especially with winter approaching, and that no substantive repair plan had been presented despite prior warnings.
• Commissioner Turnberg moved to follow the department's recommendation and deny the extension, expressing frustration with repeated delays. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (5-0).

64th Avenue South Traffic Calming Recommendation (Item 40)

• Tom Knackmoose from the Engineering Department presented a recommendation for traffic calming measures along 64th Avenue South west of I-29, in advance of a planned interchange construction starting in 2028. Staff recommended three measures: additional boulevard tree plantings, a pedestrian crossing enhancement with a raised median near 27th Street, and two driver speed feedback signs. The total estimated cost is $245,000, to be funded by infrastructure sales tax with no special assessments.
• The presentation included results from a public survey with 781 responses. Key findings: 90% of respondents lived on or near the corridor; 52% felt traffic speeds were too slow, while 22% felt speeds were too fast; 62% supported additional boulevard trees; and support for other measures ranged from 22% to 51%. Staff noted that the corridor's wide, open feel encourages higher speeds, and the proposed measures aim to narrow the perceived roadway and improve safety.
• Discussion included questions about the roundabouts being added by NDDOT (alternative B2), the placement of pedestrian crossings, and potential future measures. Commissioners emphasized the importance of learning from this process for future arterial routes. The Commission unanimously approved the staff recommendation.

Reappointments to Historic Preservation Commission (Item 41)

• The Commission approved the reappointment of two current members, Mr. Larson and Ms. Holden, as carryovers pending potential role changes during the land development code update. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments (Item 43)

• Three members of the public addressed the Commission:
  • Jean Bultman expressed concerns about the gap between fixed incomes and housing costs, the lack of affordable housing for those earning too much for subsidies, and the need for broader tax relief and housing affordability measures. She also urged the city to consider waste heat recovery from data centers and ensure fair treatment of residents in development policies.
  • Romayne Kilde, a downtown resident and board member of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, presented independent operational audits of the Historic Preservation Commission and the Arts and Culture Commission. She highlighted gaps in operations, vacancies, and funding. She argued that strong preservation and arts commissions are essential to attracting convention-goers to the local economy, noting that Bismarck and Grand Forks have more active commissions. She provided actionable recommendations and called for reform.
  • Dan Wahl objected to the demolition process for his property, alleging that staff provided misleading information and that his house was in good condition with significant recent improvements. He expressed frustration with the city's actions and the financial loss he faced. The Mayor reminded him of the policy against derogatory comments toward staff or commissioners.

Key Outcomes

• The Commission unanimously approved all consent agenda items except the one moved to the regular agenda.
• Special assessments for snow removal (57 properties, over $10,000) and the Business Improvement District (approximately $822,000) were approved.
• Rezoning and plat approvals were granted for Village West Fifth Addition and Urban Plains Medical Park Third Addition.
• The demolition contract for 111-113 32nd Avenue North was approved, denying the requested 75-day extension.
• Traffic calming measures for 64th Avenue South (tree plantings, pedestrian crossing with raised median, and speed feedback signs) were approved, with funding from infrastructure sales tax.
• Reappointments to the Historic Preservation Commission were approved.
• The meeting adjourned at 6:27 PM.